unlikely

Pluralunlikelies

1. 1
   adjective

   Not expected to happen or likely to be true.

   Like flipping a coin and getting heads ten times in a row.

   It is unlikely that it will rain today.

   An unlikely friendship grew between the two rivals.

   Similarimprobable, doubtful, implausible, unexpected

   Oppositelikely, probable, expected

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Not seeming likely to do well or to succeed.

   Like a tiny seed planted in dry, rocky ground.

   The plan looked unlikely to work from the very start.

   He was an unlikely candidate with little chance of winning.

   Similarunpromising, doubtful, hopeless, slim

   Oppositepromising, likely, hopeful

   Note
3. 3
   adverb

   In a way that is not likely or expected to happen.

   The plot resolved unlikely, with every villain reforming at once.

   The pieces fell into place unlikely, against everyone's predictions.

   Similarimprobably, unexpectedly

   Oppositepredictably

4. 4
   nouncountable

   A person or thing that is not expected to happen or to win.

   She always bets on the unlikely, hoping for a surprise win.

   This year's tournament was full of unlikelies who refused to lose.

   Similarunderdog, outsider

   Oppositefavorite

   Note

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